Although they would seem to merely be thoughts off the top of his head, Nick Cafardo discussed Matt Garza’s future in his recent Q&A, when asked whether the Red Sox should be interested in trading for Garza: “Oh yes, that’s always been on the back burner. Garza needs to show his elbow is OK. The Sox and Cubs could definitely be a good fit, but he fits with a lot of teams, so I think the Cubs will have a nice deal for him somewhere.” The latter thoughts are right on, from my perspective (i.e., a lot of teams would be interested if he shows he’s healthy), but it’s the “back burner” bit that caught my eye. Is Cafardo saying there have been affirmative discussions between the two sides on Garza, with a possible deal being placed on the back burner while Garza’s health situation sorts itself out? We’d previously heard suggestions of the Red Sox as a Garza fit, but I’m not sure that we’d previously heard of affirmative talks. Assuming the Sox don’t pick up someone like Kyle Lohse, this will be worth keeping an eye on next month (together with several other teams, obviously).

In the Nick Cafardo piece in which he discussed Alfonso Soriano (which spawned this piece), he also dropped some relevant thoughts on Michael Bourn (the market has shrunk considerably, and he’s likely to get far less than he hoped), Justin Upton (Mets, Rays, Red Sox, Phillies, and Orioles have all checked in), and Michael Morse (the Red Sox, Yankees, and Orioles are all interested, which could impact the Soriano market), among others.

Jon Morosi adds that the Tigers are hoping to land a shortstop, a late-inning reliever, or a right-handed hitting outfielder in a deal involving Porcello. Assuming the Cubs aren’t interested in dealing Darwin Barney (who could be a shortstop to the Tigers), it’s worth noting that the Cubs do have a late-inning reliever likely available (Carlos Marmol), as well as a right-handed hitting outfielder (Alfonso Soriano). Various no-trade rights and contract issues could complicate a deal – indeed, if there was a clear fit, you’d figure a deal would have been done already – but, at least superficially, there’s a fit there.

Morosi goes on to say that the Orioles could just try and swap closer Jim Johnson for Porcello, which could interest both teams.

Jair Jurrjens says he’s healthy after an injury-filled 2012 season, and is already throwing off the mound. I still don’t think there’s as much upside there as people hope, but he’ll get a minor league deal somewhere (and will be one of the most talked about minor league deals, fairly or not).

I think Garza’s been on the Sawx “back burner” since Cafardo’s “idea” that Garza would have been a good starting point for the Theo compensation.

Carne Harris

Oh my christ, I forgot that was him. Hard to give anyone that clueless any credibility.

Chad

YES! I checkis site every 10 minutes hopng for a warm stove update. Been really jonsing for one today though.

BD

Brett- if I have to hear about “sign all the players” I expect to see “sign all the players” to at least help me laugh through my hatred of the Blue Beast in LA.

MightyBear

If the Tigers want a shortstop and a late inning reliever or a right handed hitting power bat, I say trade Barney and Marmol or Barney and Soriano for Porcello. All three is too much. I’d do that deal today.

Chad

I’d try for Drew Smyly if that were the case.

Demarrer

I think I would be willing to do all three if the Cubs could get one more decent/solid prospect back with Porcello. I really don’t think Barney has near the value many people think he has. He is a good defender who can’t play offense.

Blublud

You are not serious, right. Barney, Marmol(+5 million) and Soriano(+26 million) will net you much more then Porcello or smyly. I thought fans over valued there players, but Cubs really undervalue our players. First Garza is not enough to get Olt, now Sori, Barney and Marmol with us paying 31 million of the 49 million going back will only net us 1 pitcher and a good prospect. Wow.

JBarnes

Porcello is better than you think. Groundball pitcher with a terrible defense behind him and being in the AL hurt his numbers. Move him to the NL with a defense like Castro, Barney, Rizzo and even Stewart behind him and he could really improve. He doesnt walk guys, doesnt give up HR’s and actually has a decent strikeout rate for someone who pitches to contact. Plus the guy is only 24…if we can somehow get away with trading Marmol and Soriano for him I think they should do it. I dont like the idea of Barney being involved in a deal for Porcello considering hes a groundball pitcher and Barney being excellent on defense.

Voice of Reason

I’d trade Barney, Marmol AND Soriano for their stud third baseman, Nick Castellanos and maybe another lower level minor leaguer or two?

That would certainly put an end to our third base problem!

They’ve, obviously, been hesitant to move Castellanos, but if they need a reliever and a right handed bat…

The problem is getting that bum Soriano to agree to the trade with rumors being that he will only play for east coast teams.

Blublud

I don’t make that deal for just Castellanos. That deal had to involve another significant prospect coming back from Detroit. Not just a good prospect. I consider Torreyes a good prospect. Castellanos and Torreyes theoretically, would not be enough in a deal for all three if we have to eat the portions of Marmol and Sori deal that has been stated.

Voice of Reason

I don’t make the deal for just Castellanos either!
I said we’d need some more minor league talent in return.

Again, Soriano would have to waive the no trade. Don’t hold your breath! He should be with the Giants right now, but said no!

Blublud

It would have to be Castellanos and Smyly. Or something close.

GeorgeHermanLahair

Porcello and Castellanos for those three?

Mick

I’d pull the trigger on that deal even if the only thing we got with Castellanos was a fungo and a bag of shag balls. Don’t forget about the flexibility that deal would give us on our 40-man roster too. Castellanos isn’t even on the 40-man yet so we’d free up 3 spots in that trade scenario. We could increase our efforts to sign Bourn and possibly even Soriano to close. Who would you rather have Bourn, R. Soriano, and Castellanos or Soriano, Marmol, and Barney?

Deez

I think we should kick the tires on Jurrens.He’s definitely worth a non-roster invite and/or a minor league deal.

@cubsfantroy

I just got pushed off to a porn site on my phone while trying to read this.

Voice of Reason

Why did you leave the porn site?

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Is it on an iPhone? I can’t recreate the issue, but I’ve been hearing about this from iPhone (and iPad) users. Looking into it. Very sorry if it’s emanating from the site. Obviously it’s not something I want.

@cubsfantroy

Not an iPhone. It is a DROID RAZR. I wasn’t offended or upset, just thought you would want to know. I clicked the link on Facebook to get here that time, if that helps.

Caleb

I wouldn’t mind.

Blublud

Was that RizzoPorn

Patrick G

Lol so did I, had to get my hot stove news tho

Goldcoast cub

iPhone? That happened to me yesterday morning. Glad I visit here on my phone from work and not my PC.

http://thenewenthusiast.com dw8

I believe you guys are visiting underthebleachernation.com

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

From my research, I don’t know that it would have happened on your PC – it seems to be an iPhone/iPad/iOS problem. I haven’t yet been able to ascertain whether it’s on the site’s end, or the user’s end or a combination of the two (because it doesn’t happen to everyone, and I can’t duplicate it – though obviously it is happening, and I want to make sure it stops).

JoeyCollins

happened on my droid about an hour ago

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

That’s very helpful to know. If folks can share whatever details they can think of – what browser/device, how you came to the site (bookmark? web search? twitter link? etc.), did it redirect you after the rest of the page had loaded or was it immediate, what site is it trying to take you to, etc. I’m really sorry this is happening, and it’s obviously not something I want to be happening. I’ve scanned the site, itself, and it’s clean, which means it’s either an ad network problem, or a user device problem.

Thanks for any details folks can provide, and I’ll keep working at this. I just want to write about the Cubs …

@cubsfantroy

To add to my last, it was after the site fully loaded before it happened.

Patrick G

Ya same with me. And it was for an app just didnt catch the name before closing it

Patrick W.

Just happened to me: Verizon Droid RAZR MAXX when I clicked the link from Facebook on the Droid Facebook APP. Right after the ad opened at the top (always whatever I last looked at on Amazon [thankyou]) but before the full page loaded.

Then I went from bookmark on my phone and it didn’t happen at all.

JoeyCollins

mine was on my RAZR MAXX also. i think i clicked a link in my text alert from the tweet, but it may have been the bookmark saved on my phone. the site had fully loaded and i was reading the dominican baseball article.

spearman

Yeah it just got me also, I had a shortcut on my droid that I clicked, which looked fine until I tried to tap the warm stove. That’s when the porn apps started. hope this helps.

MichiganGoat

See the Horny Goat Weed from the Vitamin Shoppe is already working its magic.

Cubbie Blues

Sometimes I like looking at the recent comment section as a conversation. This one is pretty good between you and Brett.

Kygavin

If the Tigers were to deal castellanos they could do a lot better than Marmol, Barney, and Soriano

Voice of Reason

Deals are about finding matches.

If the Tigers are looking for a reliever and a right handed bat with the Cubs paying all or most of the tab for Marmol and Soriano, they would not find a better match to fill two holes with one trade than with that trade with the Cubs! And, the holes would be filled really well!

Again, Soriano would be the major stumbling block as he would have to waive his no trade.

Blublud

I hivhly doubt it. Not for just him. Nobody is going to give you 3 proven Major leaguers for a prospect. That’s is unless they are willing to take a package of Campana, Volstad and Mather.

Kygavin

Castellanos is one of the top hitting prospects in the minors and you don’t think they could get more than a reliever who can’t throw strikes, a 2b who can’t hit, and an all bat old OF? Please

Blublud

More like a closer who was one of the most dominant the 2nd half of last year, 4-5 years of control ofa gold glove second baseman, who had a historical season from 2B and a 30 HR 100 RBI OF who is an above average OF and was one of the best defensive LF in baseball last year. Yeah, I would suppose Castellanos could be the starting point, but not the final package.

Voice of Reason

If Castellanos is that good then why are the Tigers in the market for a right handed hitting outfielder? They moved Castellanos to right field because of Cabrera.

He is 20 years old. The Tigers are in the win now mode! If Castellanos is not ready for the bigs and they can fill a couple of big holes by moving him then they should do it.

If the Cubs are going to pay most of the tab for Marmol and Soriano that alone should be more than enough to get Castellanos. BUT, when you throw in Barney, you’re pushing it to almost being a no brainer for the Tigers.

Marmol has struggled with control, but can be lights out and COULD — I say could — emerge as the Tigers closer. Throw in Soriano and understanding that you are getting them without paying much salary at all…..

someone get Jed on the phone!

Fastball

The tigers won’t trade with Theo. Dumbrowski won’t do it

Blublud

There is little to no chance an A. Soriano to Detroit deal will happen. But if the one we talked does happen, the Tigers would be getting better value for less. If they sign R. Soriano, yes they would still have Castellanos, but they’ll also still need a RH power hitting OF and a SS. I for onr, would hope the Cubs turn down a deal for Castellanos involving Sori, because I think the Cubs can make the playoff this as is. Add in Bourn, and we might be a challenger for the division.

Blublud

Meant for kygavin below

Kygavin

I think the Cubs are a 75 (give or take a few) win team just on the strength of their pitching but I don’t see playoffs which is why I have no problem dealing for other assets that are younger. I get what you are saying though and I would most likely have the same opinion if I thought they were a playoff team

Kygavin

Also agree A Soriano to Det would be unlikely

Voice of Reason

Wow… some people on this website love drinking that Cub Kool Aid!

The Cubs will lose at least 90 games this year. It’s a really bad team that has a terrible offense and not much of a bullpen. The starting pitching has depth, but is it good depth?

And, the front office expects to lose 90 games as they didn’t sign any free agent bats to help the offense.

Make the playoffs this year? Losing less than 90 days would be a really good goal as the rebuilding continues.

BT

Finally, a voice of reason! Someone who is realistic and thinks the Cubs will win only 72 games this year, as opposed to the “Cub Kool Aid” drinkers who are predicting a laughable 75 wins!

EQ76

“The starting pitching has depth, but is it good depth?”

– True.,. Remember last year we had the ERA leader for much of the year (Dempster) and one of the hottest pitchers in baseball on a win streak (Maholm) along with Shark and Garza and were still a 5th place team, completely out of the race by the trade deadline.

Maybe without the trades, and Garza injury, this team was a 90 to 92 loss team last year, but the problem was the bullpen was terrible and the offense was anemic . Our offense doesn’t look any better or different than last year.

The only way this team even sniffs .500 this year is with a lot of career years and breakout seasons from some of these guys. It’s possible, but not very likely.

Mattm

You should change your name to voice of negativity bc you have no basis in fact at all. Our bullpen isnt good? We just signed a guy with dominating numbers as a closer in Japan to go along with Marmol, Russel, and camp. Thats much better thana last year. We were extremely unlucky with injuries and down seasons from the catcher and 3b positions which means whether you like it or not we upgraded. We have Rizzo for a whole year. Keep being negatve noone takes you seriously!

Kygavin

I’m not arguing the cubs shouldn’t do it. I would love that but why would the tigers? If they need bullpen help that bad why not just sign Soriano and keep castellanos?

Yeah I bet Storen or Clippard will get moved now. They will obviously have a lot more trade value than Marmol, and probably the pick they lost.

BD

I wouldn’t think they would move one of note, especially since their contracts are all good value for Washington. I think they just want a really good bullpen.

hansman1982

They could, but I doubt it. I’m thinking Washington sees 2013 as their golden year, a full season of Strasberg, everyone else healthy. Might as well pile on and reach for 100 wins.

http://bleachernation.com hutch

Not because of the move today but washington is loaded for the next 10 years. Their front office has done a great job of drafting and developing players

http://bleachernation.com hutch

I would say golden years

hansman1982

Ya, they are a unique situation where they can “go for it” in 2013 and still be set for the next decade…or Strasburg and Gonzalez could be out mid-season with career changing injuries, virtually none of their prospects make an impact for the next 5 years, Werth suffers a career changing hamstring injury and they do jack squat after getting within a handful of outs of the WS this year only to have a solid fielding infielder boot the ball.

Not that something like that has happened before.

james

Alfonso Soranio had one good year out of the last three. After the 2011 baseball season everybody wanted him out of Chicago. A newspaper last year talked about the worst contracts in baseball history and Soraino contract was in the top ten. Soraino is also 37 and he isn’t getting any younger. More then likely Soraino numbers will decline because of his age. Carlos Marmol had half an season were he put up good numbers. Marmol also is a free agent after this season. Also look how many relief pitchers are still unsigned. Darwin Barney is a weak hitting second basemen with a good glove. At best Barney is a average second basemen. I think as Cubs fans we over value are players a little to much.

Mike

I know the draft the draft is far away but do you think the cubs will go with another 5 tool outfielder like Austin Meadows or a Power arm like Ryne Stanek

King Jeff

Best available, probably slightly skewed towards pitching due to need.

Well nobody has talked about Marmol being dealt to the Nats, so that is a good thing. If a team was hoping to get R. Soriano on a good deal, they may now look to a trade.

http://thecubcontrarian.blogspot.com Kyle

That can’t be right. I was told that if a player hadn’t signed by now, nobody wanted him.

Ken

Barney is much maligned. So is defense up the middle, for all that matter.

mudge

As long as he isn’t misaligned.

http://bleachernation.com hutch

If the tigers were gonna move castellanos for a right hand bat why wouldnt they just call arizona and get upton. They want porcello too. We re never getting castellanos

Tim

Rafael Soriano signed with the nats! They’re going for it this year. Really adding to a terrific bullpen. Especially if they sign Vasquez and move detweiler to the bullpen.

North Side Irish

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS
#cubs have talked to scott hairston, as well, so he has non-NY possibilities

He’d make a nice 4th OF if he were OK with that role. Hits lefties well and has some pop. Not great on D, but he can play all three OF spots (CF is a little iffy). But he’d be a nice RH option to spell DeJesus and Schierholtz.

http://thecubcontrarian.blogspot.com Kyle

That makes a ton of sense. An outfield with DeJesus and Schierholtz is in desperate need of at least two lefty-mashers, and Sappelt barely qualifies.

Interesting on The Twitters

Beautiful BN Apparel

BN on Video

Post Categories

Site Archives

Get In Touch

Search

Disclaimer

In addition to news, Bleacher Nation publishes both rumor and opinion, as well as information reported by other sources. Information on Bleacher Nation may contain errors or inaccuracies, though we try to avoid them. Links to content and the quotation of material from other news sources are not the responsibility of Bleacher Nation. Photos used either are the property of Bleacher Nation, are used with permission, are fair use, or are believed to be in the public domain. Legitimate requests to remove copyrighted photos not in the public domain will be honored promptly. Comments by third parties are neither sponsored or endorsed by Bleacher Nation.

Bleacher Nation Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Bleacher Nation is a private media site, and it is not affiliated in any way with Major League Baseball or the Chicago Cubs. Neither MLB nor the Chicago Cubs have endorsed, supported, directed, or participated in the creation of the content at this site, or in the creation of the site itself. It's just a media site that happens to cover the Chicago Cubs.

Bleacher Nation is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.